UK Bed Sizes Explained

The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Bed

A good night's sleep starts with choosing the right bed size. Whether you're furnishing a child's bedroom, upgrading your master suite, or making the most of a guest room, understanding bed sizes will help you make the right choice.

This guide explains the actual dimensions of UK bed sizes, who they're best suited for, and how much space you'll need. We've also included a handy comparison chart showing all measurements in both centimetres and inches.

UK Bed Size Chart

Bed Size	Width (cm)	Length (cm)	Width (inches)	Length (inches)
Single	90 cm	190 cm	36"	75"
Small Double	120 cm	190 cm	48"	75"
Double	135 cm	190 cm	54"	75"
King Size	150 cm	200 cm	60"	79"
Super King	180 cm	200 cm	72"	79"
Emperor	200 cm	200 cm	79"	79"

In the UK, "Queen" isn't an official standard size, and can mean different things depending on the retailer, ranging from a small double to a King. At Furniture Warehouse North East, we don’t use the term as it can be confusing for the customer, and clarity is important when making big furniture decisions.

Single Bed Size

Measurements: 90 cm × 190 cm / 36" × 75"

A single bed is the standard choice for children, teenagers and many guest bedrooms. It's also ideal for smaller spaces where every centimetre counts.

Best for:

• Children

• Teenagers

• Guest rooms

• Small bedrooms

• Adults sleeping alone in compact spaces

Pros:

• Space-saving

• Affordable

• Leaves more floor space for storage or desks

Small Double Bed Size

Measurements: 120 cm × 190 cm / 48" × 75"

Also known as a three-quarter bed, the small double offers more sleeping space than a single without taking up as much room as a standard double.

It's a popular choice for older teenagers, students and young professionals with limited space.

Best for:

• Solo sleepers wanting extra space

• Smaller master bedrooms

• Guest rooms

Pros:

• More comfortable than a single

• Great compromise between space and comfort

• Fits where a standard double won't

Double Bed Size

Measurements: 135 cm × 190 cm / 54" × 75"

The UK standard double remains one of Britain's most popular bed sizes. It comfortably accommodates one person with plenty of room or two adults. Double beds fit the widest range of bedrooms, from guest rooms to average-sized master bedrooms.

Best for:

• Couples

• Master bedrooms

• Guest bedrooms

• Solo sleepers who like extra room

Pros:

• Widely available

• Excellent choice for average-sized bedrooms

• Huge range of mattresses and bed frames

King Size Bed

Measurements: 150 cm × 200 cm / 60" × 79"

A king size bed provides significantly more sleeping space than a standard double while also offering extra length for taller people.

It's often considered the ideal balance between luxury and practicality.

Best for:

• Couples

• Taller adults

• Master bedrooms

Pros:

• More room to move during the night

• Longer than a double

• Plenty of personal sleeping space

Super King Bed

Measurements: 180 cm × 200 cm / 72" × 79"

For those who enjoy plenty of personal space, a super king size bed delivers luxury hotel-style comfort at home.

If your bedroom is large enough and you enjoy a large and roomy sleep surface, this could be the best option for you.

Best for:

• Couples

• Tall sleepers

• Families with young children who occasionally join them

• Large master bedrooms

Pros:

• Exceptional comfort

• Plenty of personal space

• Room for restless sleepers

Emperor Bed Size

Measurements: 200 cm × 200 cm / 79" × 79"

The Emperor is one of the largest standard beds available in the UK. Offering a generous two metres of both width and length, it's the ultimate luxury choice.

Best for:

• Large master suites

• Couples wanting maximum space

• Luxury homes

Pros:

• Maximum sleeping space

• Luxurious appearance

• Exceptional comfort

Which Bed Size Should You Choose?

When choosing a bed, consider more than just the mattress dimensions.

Think about:

• The size of your bedroom

• Space for bedside cabinets and wardrobes

• Space for moving around, getting ready, etc.

• Doorways and stair access during delivery

• Whether you sleep alone or with a partner

• If you're particularly tall

• Future needs, such as moving house or upgrading bedrooms

A good rule of thumb is to leave a minimum of 60 cm to 75 cm (24" to 30") of walking space around each accessible side of the bed where possible, but more space is often preferred on at least one side.

Consider the type of bed frame or base

When planning your bedroom, it's important to think beyond the mattress dimensions. The overall footprint of your bed can be significantly larger depending on the style of base you choose.

Ottoman Beds

Ottoman beds are an excellent way to maximise storage, but they need extra clearance to operate properly. The mattress lifts either from the foot end or the side, so you'll need enough room for the lift mechanism and to comfortably access the storage compartment.

An End-lift Ottoman Divan Base offers considerable storage

As a general guide:

• End-opening ottoman beds should have at least 60 cm to 90 cm (24" to 36") of clear space at the foot of the bed.

• Side-opening ottoman beds require around 60 cm (24") of clear space along the opening side.

If your bedroom is particularly compact, consider which direction the ottoman opens before making your purchase.

Divan Beds with Storage Drawers

Divan bases with built-in drawers are another popular storage solution, but the drawers need room to open fully.

Allow approximately 50 cm to 60 cm (20" to 24") of clear floor space in front of each drawer. If your bed sits close to a wardrobe, radiator or wall, opening the drawers may become difficult.

In smaller bedrooms, half-drawers or two-drawer divan bases can often be a more practical option than four full-size drawers.

Raised Bed Frames Offer Valuable Underbed Storage

Not every storage solution needs to be built into the bed itself. Many traditional bed frames sit high enough off the floor to provide useful storage space underneath.

Depending on the clearance, you may be able to store:

• Underbed storage boxes

• Vacuum storage bags for spare bedding or seasonal clothing

• Shoes

• Children's toys

• Suitcases

• Spare pillows and duvets

Some wooden and metal bed frames offer 20 cm to 30 cm (8" to 12") of clearance beneath the base, providing plenty of room without affecting the appearance of the bedroom.

If you're considering underbed storage, be sure to check the frame's ground clearance before buying. A frame with only a few centimetres of space underneath may not accommodate storage boxes, whereas a raised design can add a surprising amount of practical storage without increasing the footprint of the bed.

For many households, a raised bed frame offers an excellent compromise between a traditional bedstead and a dedicated storage bed, making it ideal for guest rooms, children's bedrooms and homes where extra storage is always welcome.

Consider the Overall Bed Frame

Remember that many bed frames extend beyond the mattress size, so they will generally take up more space than a simple divan base, which is usually the most space-efficient option. However, if you’re adding a headboard to a divan base, you will need to factor the additional space into your bedroom’s floor plan.

Features such as deep headboards, chunky foot ends, wide side rails and upholstered surrounds can add several centimetres to both the width and length of the overall bed. Always check the bed frame's external dimensions before ordering, particularly if access or room size is tight.

Modern Mattresses Are Much Deeper

If you've not bought a new bed for several years, you may be surprised by how deep modern mattresses have become.

Years ago, many mattresses were around 15 cm to 20 cm (6" to 8") deep. Today, it's more common to find mattresses with the following measurements:

Mattress Depth	Expected Mattress Quality
20 cm to 25 cm (8" to 10")	Standard open coil and entry-level pocket sprung mattresses.
25 cm to 30 cm (10" to 12")	Decent-quality pocket-sprung and hybrid mattresses.
30 cm to 35 cm (12" to 14")	Premium pocket-sprung, pillow-top and luxury hybrid mattresses.
35 cm + (14" + )	High-end luxury mattresses with multiple comfort layers.

Increased depth often provides greater support, pressure relief and durability, with more space for layers of springs, foam and natural fillings. However, this added depth it does have a few practical implications.

Your Existing Bedding May Feel Smaller

If you're replacing an older mattress with a modern one of the same width and length, don't be alarmed if:

• Your fitted sheets don’t fit properly.

• Your unfitted sheets are more difficult to tuck under the mattress.

• Your duvet doesn't drape over the sides quite as much.

• Your added mattress protector or mattress topper is difficult to fit.

This is perfectly normal and simply reflects the increased mattress depth rather than a change in bed size.

Most modern bedding is now made to accommodate this extra depth. If you want to be sure, keep an eye out for deep fitted sheets (typically suitable for mattresses up to 35 cm deep) and extra-deep fitted sheets (up to around 40 cm or more). If your current bedding feels too snug, upgrading to a deeper fitted sheet is often all that's needed.

Mattress Depth Affects Bed Height

A deeper mattress will also increase the overall height of your bed. This can make getting in and out of bed easier for many people, although very deep mattresses paired with tall bed frames may feel noticeably higher than older beds.

When choosing a new bed and mattress together, it's worth considering the combined height, especially for children, older adults, or anyone with mobility concerns.

UK vs European Bed Sizes

If you're replacing an existing bed or buying furniture from overseas, it's worth knowing that UK and European (Continental) bed sizes are not the same.

While some sizes may appear similar, European mattresses and bed frames are often slightly wider, longer, or both. For example, a European Double measures 140 cm × 200 cm, compared with a UK Double at 135 cm × 190 cm.

Because of these differences, UK mattresses, bed frames, fitted sheets and mattress protectors are generally not interchangeable with their European equivalents.

If you're purchasing a new mattress for an existing bed frame, always check the exact dimensions rather than relying on the size name alone. A few centimetres can make a big difference to comfort and fit.

Common UK vs European Sizes

UK Size	UK Dimensions	Closest European Size	European Dimensions
Single	90 cm × 190 cm	Single	90 cm × 200 cm
Small Double	120 cm × 190 cm	N/A	N/A
Double	135 cm × 190 cm	Double	140 cm × 200 cm
King Size	150 cm × 200 cm	King	160 cm × 200 cm
Super King	180 cm × 200 cm	Super King	180 cm × 200 cm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Queen bed bigger than a King in the UK?

No. In the UK, "Queen" is not a standard size and can mean different things, though it often refers to a Small Double (120 cm x 190 cm), which is smaller than a standard UK King.

Is a UK King the same as a European King?

No. A European King measures approximately 160 cm × 200 cm, making it slightly wider than a UK King.

Is a Small Double big enough for two adults?

It can comfortably accommodate two adults for occasional use, but most couples will find a standard Double or King Size more comfortable for everyday sleeping.

Which bed size is best for tall people?

Anyone over around 6 ft (183 cm) should consider a King Size bed or larger, as these offer 200 cm of mattress length, which should prevent your feet from hanging over the end when you lie down.

Can I use European mattresses on UK beds?

Not always. European mattress sizes differ slightly from UK standards, so it's important to check dimensions before purchasing.

Find Your Perfect Bed

Whether you're looking for a practical guest bed, a stylish king size, or a luxurious super king, choosing the right size is the first step towards better sleep.

At Furniture Warehouse, we stock a wide selection of bed frames, divan beds, ottoman storage beds and mattresses to suit every bedroom and budget. If you're unsure which size is right for your home, our friendly team is always happy to help.